Costilla Dam, located in Taos, New Mexico, along the Rio Costilla, is a privately-owned structure with a primary purpose of irrigation. Built in 1920 by the USBR, this earth dam stands at a height of 137.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 30,499 acre-feet. The dam has a surface area of 416 acres and serves a drainage area of 55 square miles.
Despite being regulated by the Office of the State Engineer and undergoing regular inspections, Costilla Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential with a fair condition assessment. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 35 feet, and it has a maximum discharge of 20,200 cubic feet per second. With a risk assessment rating of moderate, there is a need for ongoing risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of this essential water resource infrastructure for the surrounding community and environment.
Windspeed
Humidity
Gage Height, Ft 24hr Change | 0.21% |
Percent of Normal | 80% |
Minimum |
48.52 ft
2012-08-31 |
Maximum |
105.87 ft
2010-06-14 |
Average | 65 ft |
Dam_Height | 137.5 |
Hydraulic_Height | 108 |
Drainage_Area | 55 |
Year_Completed | 1920 |
Nid_Storage | 30499 |
Structural_Height | 137.5 |
River_Or_Stream | RIO COSTILLA |
Primary_Dam_Type | Earth |
Foundations | Unlisted/Unknown |
Surface_Area | 416 |
Hazard_Potential | High |
Outlet_Gates | Valve - 0 |
Dam_Length | 780 |
Nid_Height | 138 |